Karnataka Waqf Board bans loudspeakers in mosques, dargahsÂ
In an order with far-reaching implications, the Karnataka State Board of Auqaf has issued a round to all of the mosques and dargahs (mausoleums) in the state not to use loudspeakers between 10 pm and 6 am, saying the ambient noise degree round these buildings has “deleterious effects on human health and the psychological well-being of people”.
In the round dated March 9, the board stated, “The loudspeakers shall not be used at night time, which shall mean from 10 pm to 6 am.”
Further underlining the “silence zones”, the round stated any violation can be chargeable for penalty.
The areas comprising not lower than 100 metres round hospitals, instructional establishments and courts are declared as silence zones.
“Whoever uses sound amplifier or burst sound-emitting firecrackers, uses a loudspeaker or public address system in a silence zone is liable for penalty under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act-1986,” the round learn.
These selections had been taken on the board’s 327th assembly held on December 19, 2020, relating to strict adherence to the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 in Karnataka and (*10*).
“It is observed that increasing the ambient noise level around many a Masjid and Dargahs due to generator sets, loudspeakers and public address systems have deleterious effects on human health and the psychological well-being of people,” the order famous.
The board reminded the mutawallis and managing committees of the mosques and dargahs that it had issued a round on July 10, 2017 (when Siddaramaiah headed the Congress authorities in Karnataka) to comply with the ambient noise requirements in accordance with the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.
The round stated loudspeakers ought to be used just for “azan” and different necessary bulletins, whereas the congregational Salat, Jumma Qutba, Bayans, spiritual socio-cultural and knowledge-based capabilities shall be carried out with the audio system put in on the premises of the mosques and dargahs.
The noise-governing equipment could also be put in in the establishments in session with the native surroundings officers.
The Khateeb O Imam of Bengaluru’s Jamia Masjid, Maqsood Imran, stated that he too has acquired the round. He added that they’ve spoken to the CEO of the board about revising the round because the morning “azan” is a vital one.
He shared a letter written by Waqf Board member and MLA Tanveer Sait to the CEO of the board.
In the letter, Sait stated, “As the board is an autonomous body, keeping this instruction in the view, you are hereby directed to issue an amended circular at the earliest, considering sunrise timings and use of loudspeakers sensibly between 10 pm to 5 am as the holy month of Ramzan is fast approaching.”
Former chairman of the state Waqf Board Anwar Manippady stated, “It is a great step towards amiability in the society between the two communities — minorities and majorities.”
(With PTI inputs)
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